This week is all about mobility. Today’s blog is part of a series for managing the security and expenses related to wireless devices. Do you have the tools and knowledge you need to protect your organization from data breaches and out of control wireless costs? Are you actively protecting mobile device security?

Today we’ll focus on device and app security.

The first step towards better control is always a critical evaluation of where you are now. What are the policies and procedures currently in place for mobile devices? For example – are devices required to have a password-protected lock screen? Or another common and painful example, what is the procedure in place for when a device goes stolen or missing? Then it’s time to revaluate what policies exist and what holes need to be filled.

Password Parameters: Keep in mind the complexity of passwords. Consider triggers and parameters should you set around device and software passwords. Consider 8 characters long, to include a special character, number or capital letter. Other advice – don’t use dictionary words. Instead make up acronyms of variations of words using special characters.

Use of Public Wi-fi and URLS SSL: Consider adding restrictions to your mobile devices to access and use unsecured and public wi-fi. Or add parameters that users are only able to access or use websites that are Secure Socket Layer (SSL).

Autofill and Cookies: Should be disabled. Any feature that conveniently remembers your employees information is a potential risk. Especially if that information includes this passwords, credit card information, or any other sensitive data from your organizations.

Apps: Smartphone software has changed our world for the better. Apps for productivity, efficiency, and entertainment exist in all of the app markets. However the level of security for them is largely unregulated and often goes unchecked. It is worth noting that the Android market is a little bit more open than the strict developer guidelines from Apple. It is critical the smartphone users do their due diligence when downloading apps, care to not select apps that will transmit their private information.

Valicom can assist you in protecting mobile device security with policies that cover your organization and your employees from potential security risks. Contact our team today to get started.